The Black Muslim Manifesto

'The Black Muslim Manifesto' is the compilation of over ten years of essays addressing events of historical, contemporary and ideological significance. Debates between the author and others, who contested some of his positions, form the basis of several chapters. The essays not only provide Lukman’s reflections on some of the most critical issues of the past decade, they also include a critical analysis of American history, a critique of Malcolm X, a biographical sketch of Kwame Ture (partly based on the author’s personal relationship with him), Lukman’s understanding of the religion of Islam, particularly as it relates to the post 9/11 world; commentaries on Lebanon, Sudan, Gaza, the 'ascendancy' of Obama etc.There are countless opinions offered concerning every topic addressed in the 'Manifesto', however, that which makes the 'Manifesto' unique is it’s uncompromising, Black, revolutionary, Islamic perspective. This is a perspective that is totally missing from the ideological discourse, in America, on either the 'left' or the 'right'. The climate of fear engendered by George W’s 'fatwa' that 'you are either with us or you are with the terrorists' has sent Muslim 'leadership' in America scurrying behind the mantra 'Islam is peace'. The fact that Bush codified his 'fatwa' with the Patriot Act has left this brand of 'leadership' cowering in fear.Those who wish to pass themselves off as Black 'leadership' are no better than their Muslim counterparts. The 'Manifesto' takes the unabashed position that the 'Obamamania', which has been signed onto by most 'recognized' Black 'leadership', is no more than a corporate controlled deception. It is a deception designed for international as well as domestic consumption. The American ruling class is faced with the 'browning of America'. They are also confronted with an increasingly non-white, anti-American global population. According to the 'Manifesto', 'Obamaism' represents the apotheosis of neo-colonialism.Are the views expressed in the two preceding paragraphs controversial? Of course they are and they are reflective of the spirit of the book. That is precisely what makes the 'Manifesto' unique. The 'uniqueness' of the book is part of the appeal of the 'Manifesto'. An embattled Muslim world will find a voice, in the Western Hemisphere, who champions their cause. Followers of the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad will see that 'Elijah Lives' in its pages.Revolutionary thinkers will find a book written in the spirit of George Jackson’s 'Blood in my Eye'. And, of course, liberals, reformists, 'accommodationists' and 'assimilationists' will be horrified. But that is precisely the type of debate all intellectuals should welcome.